Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction sites present significant hazards for workers daily. The construction industry ranks among the most dangerous occupations in Illinois, with workers facing serious risks of injuries daily that can cause permanent disabilities or even death. Due to the nature of the industry, construction accidents often leave victims with catastrophic injuries and uncertainty about the future.

At Cooney & Conway, our knowledgeable construction accident lawyers understand the unique complexities of these cases and the devastating impact they have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries on a construction site, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

Call our Chicago law offices for a free consultation: (800) 322-5573

Am I Eligible to Seek Compensation for My Construction Accident Injuries?

Construction sites can be chaotic places with scaffolding, machinery, and a lot of workers focusing on different areas of the build simultaneously. To determine if you have a valid case, you need an attorney to thoroughly the specific circumstances that led to your accident and injuries.

Key information your attorney will need includes:

• Employer name and company details
• Contact information for all involved parties
• Specific details about how the accident occurred
• Exact location and date of the accident
• Names of witnesses who observed the incident
• Medical records documenting your injuries

Under Illinois law, construction companies, contractors, and property owners have a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe working conditions. When these parties fail to meet safety standards and regulations, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Our attorneys carefully examine whether this duty of care was breached in your specific situation.

Do I Need An Attorney to Manage My Chicago Construction Accident Injury Claim?

We recommend working with a dedicated construction accident attorney to maximize compensation for your claim. Construction accident cases typically involve multiple parties, complex regulations, and powerful insurance companies with significant resources. Without proper legal representation, injured workers are more likely to receive far less compensation than they deserve.

Our legal team at Cooney & Conway is prepared to handle all aspects of your claim, including:

• Investigating the accident scene
• Collecting evidence before it disappears, gets cleared away, or is destroyed
• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Working with medical professionals to document your injuries
• Calculating the full extent of your current and future damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing your interests in court if necessary

How Much Could My Construction Accident Injury Case Be Worth in Illinois?

No two cases are alike, which is why the value of any construction accident case must be determined independently. Each case has a unique set of circumstances and factors that may contribute to the overall value of a claim.

Considerations that should be factored into any assessment of a construction accident claim include:

Here’s a bulleted list of the considerations that typically get factored into evaluating a construction accident claim:

• Type and severity of injuries: More severe injuries typically warrant higher compensation
• Required medical treatment: Extensive surgeries, specialized care, and ongoing treatment increase claim value Permanent disability: Long-term or permanent impairments significantly impact claim value
• Duration of recovery: Longer recovery periods generally result in higher compensation
• Lost wages: Current income loss and future earning capacity reduction
• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by injuries
• Cause of the accident: How the accident occurred and who was responsible
• Degree of negligence: How severely safety regulations were violated
• Multiple liable parties: The number of potentially responsible entities
• Pre-existing conditions: Whether injuries worsened existing medical issues
• Age of the victim: Younger victims may receive higher compensation for longer future impact
• Cost of rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other recovery services
• Home modifications: Necessary changes to accommodate disabilities
• Need for future care: Ongoing medical treatments or assistance requirements
• Impact on quality of life: Inability to participate in regular activities or hobbies
• Psychological impact: PTSD, anxiety, depression resulting from the accident
• Jurisdiction: Location where the claim is filed affects applicable laws and potential compensation

What Type of Compensation Might I Recover for My Construction Accident Injuries in Illinois?

Construction accident victims in Illinois may be entitled to substantial compensation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term consequences of their injuries. The specific amounts vary based on the contributing factors, type of claim and unique circumstances of each case.

We work diligently to pursue every category of damages available under Illinois law, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Future Medical Care: Compensation for anticipated ongoing treatments, therapies, and medical equipment
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost while recovering from injuries
• Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn income in the future
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression
• Permanent Disability: Damages for lasting physical limitations and lifestyle changes
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or visible physical changes
• Loss of Normal Life: Damages for inability to enjoy previous hobbies and activities
• Home Modifications: Costs for necessary changes to accommodate physical limitations
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Training for new employment if unable to return to construction work
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for impact on relationship with spouse or family
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship for families who have lost loved ones

Types of Injury Claim You May Be Able to Pursue for a Construction Accident Injury in Illinois

After suffering injuries on a construction site, you may have access to several distinct legal pathways for obtaining fair compensation, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your accident. Our attorneys will carefully analyze your situation to identify all possible claims and recovery sources, ensuring no potential avenue for compensation is overlooked.

Workers’ Compensation

Most injured construction workers qualify for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages but do not compensate for pain and suffering.

Personal Injury

When third parties beyond your employer contributed to the accident, you may file personal injury claims against these entities. These claims can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Wrongful Death

Families who have lost loved ones in construction accidents may pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Who May Be Liable for My Construction Accident Injuries?

Construction accident cases often have more than one liable party, so it is important to assess all potential sources of responsibility. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all parties who may share liability for your injuries.

Potential liable parties include:

• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Construction companies
• Engineers or architects
• Property owners
• Construction site managers
• Equipment manufacturers or suppliers

Construction Industry Safety Regulations and How They May Impact Your Illinois Construction Accident Claim

State and federal regulations require construction sites to follow strict safety standards. These regulations aim to prevent common hazards that lead to serious injuries and fatalities. When companies fail to follow these requirements, their negligence is central to establishing liability in construction accident claims.

Key safety regulations address:

• Fall protection requirements
• Proper scaffolding assembly and maintenance
• Trench and excavation safety
• Electrical safety procedures
• Proper equipment operation and maintenance
• Personal protective equipment requirements
• Hazardous materials handling

How Do I Report the Accident and My Injuries on a Construction Site?

Reporting your construction accident and any resulting injuries properly is crucial for protecting your legal rights. Take these important steps:

• Notify your supervisor or employer immediately
• Seek medical attention right away, even for seemingly minor injuries
• Document the accident scene with photographs if possible
• Collect contact information from witnesses
• File a formal written accident report with your employer
• Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments

What If My Employer Disputes the Accident or My Injuries?

Unfortunately, some employers or their insurance companies dispute legitimate construction accident claims. They may question how the accident occurred, the severity of your injuries, or whether your injuries resulted from the workplace incident.

If your employer disputes your claim, our construction accident attorneys can:

• Gather additional evidence to support your version of events
• Consult with medical specialists to document your injuries
• Interview witnesses who can corroborate your account
• Navigate the appeals process for denied workers’ compensation claims
• Represent you at hearings or in court proceedings

Construction Site Accidents – The “Fatal Four”

Construction workers in Chicago face numerous hazards daily. Understanding the most common types of accidents can help establish liability in your case. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four types of accidents responsible for the majority of construction fatalities:

Falls

Falls from heights remain the leading cause of construction fatalities and serious injuries in Chicago. These incidents often occur from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, and unprotected edges.

Struck-By Accidents

Workers struck by moving vehicles, falling objects, or swinging equipment suffer severe injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and crushed limbs.

Caught-In/Between

These accidents occur when workers become caught in machinery or between heavy objects, often resulting in amputations, crushing injuries, or fatal consequences.

Electrocutions

Contact with exposed wiring, power lines, or faulty electrical equipment leads to serious burns, internal damage, or death.

Other common construction accidents include:

• Trench collapses
• Scaffold failures
• Equipment malfunctions
• Chemical exposures
• Explosions and fires
• Vehicle accidents
• Repetitive motion injuries

Types of Injuries That Often Occur on Construction Sites

Construction accidents frequently result in severe, life-altering injuries that require immediate and extensive medical treatment, along with physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Common construction site injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and disability
• Spinal Cord Injuries: May result in partial or complete paralysis
• Broken Bones: Often require surgery and extended recovery periods
• Severe burns: Can cause permanent disfigurement and require multiple surgeries
• Amputations: Result in permanent disability and lifetime adaptive equipment needs
• Crush Injuries: May lead to internal organ damage and long-term complications
• Eye Injuries: Can cause partial or complete vision loss
• Respiratory Conditions: Result from exposure to toxic substances like asbestos or silica dust
• Hearing Loss: Caused by excessive noise or traumatic injuries

Need a Construction Accident Attorney? Call Cooney & Conway Today

At Cooney & Conway, our lawyers provide you with compassionate representation while fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve. We have extensive knowledge of the complex regulations that may impact your case Contact our Chicago office today for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Let our experienced construction accident attorneys help you secure the resources needed for your recovery and future well-being.